First test of my 10.2kw Solar array

[geeck]

This was the first "wet run" for my solar array, unlike the majority of solar systems mine has backup batteries. I have 16 - 8D AGM batteries weighting in at 160lbs each. They are arranged in 4 - 48v strings for a total of 1100 ah (amp hours) capacity.
I was forced to design and build my own battery backed solar array because I could not find a vendor willing or able to do so. There is much more expense evolved but I think the main reason is the average consumer is not capable of dealing with complexity of the system. A technically inclined person shouldn't have and issue though. My wife was able to grasp the concept of actively managing the available power. During sunny prime daylight hours you can run about anything in the house. However you need to make sure there's power to recharge the batteries for night time power requirements. I have a few tweaks to the system from lessons learned, it should go even smoother next time.

I have some picture from the construction phase, the array is 54 ft x 15 ft, 51 - 200w panels

The equipment 2 - 6kw inverter/chargers, interconnect box, 4 - MPPT charge controllers

Some of the piping for the Charge Controllers

The beginnings of the battery bank

 

[bassicpackrat]

Damn dude, that is one impressive setup, dare I ask, how much did that cost you?That is really nice, cool to be able to power most everything off the grid. Im sure it was nowhere near as expensive as what the US taxpayers had to eat for Obama's bankrupt Solyndra but I bet it was pretty pricey none the less!!

 

[Armnhammer]

Very nice setup.

 

[XDguy]

I think I passed your house yesterday, was driving along and said "holy chit!, look at all those solar panels!".

 

[SpeedRacer]

That is awesome.

 

[Suburbazine]

That's just bad ass. I want one just like it lol.

 

[themcfarland]

Awesome , good for you man..

 

[GunRelated]

Although I know I will never afford a setup like this, I too am curious as to the cost. Also, what precautions did you take before Isaac to keep everything safe?

 

[geeck]

My out of pocket expense was about 18K the taxpayer... well that's another story. Louisiana has/had a 50% credit, the federal tax credit is 30%,without which you will never... I repeat NEVER break even. Look the way I figured I'll never see Social Security, might as well get mine up front. It'll take about 7 years for my part to break even... the taxpayer never.

The hardest part for me was putting up with all the sandal wearing hippies stopping during construction wanting to hug me for saving the planet... beleive me, I'm no tree hugger.

The project was unusual also because of it's location (200 ft from the house) which added to the expense. The thing is very visible because the size, everybody in the Bayou Liberty area of Slidell knows me as the crazy Solar Panel guy.

 

[geoney]

Very nice system.

 

[geeck]

Although I know I will never afford a setup like this, I too am curious as to the cost. Also, what precautions did you take before Isaac to keep everything safe?

It was a B'otch working 4 ft off the ground but that was to keep it above Katrina water levels. The structure is rated for 150mph winds, the panels are supposed to withstand a 2" hale ball at 72mph. I did board up the inverters a bit just to be safe for the storm.

 

[GunRelated]

Wow, I never knew the panels were that tough. Pretty cool.

 

[Specularius]

What was the cost per panel? I am looking at trying to setup a solar array of only two, 200 watt panels for my truck camper.

 

[geeck]

Wow, I never knew the panels were that tough. Pretty cool.

I've seen installers standing on solar panels during the process... my fat butt didn't try that though.

 

[geeck]

What was the cost per panel? I am looking at trying to setup a solar array of only two, 200 watt panels for my truck camper.

Prices are constantly changing but you're probably looking at around $300 each.

 

[tupperware9mm]

Well I am pretty impressed... Is there a good site on the internet that would describe in detail your system?

 

[geeck]

Well I am pretty impressed... Is there a good site on the internet that would describe in detail your system?

To me this is as simple a way as any to describe the system details... I have 4 charge controllers (only shows 2 in the picture) because I'm factoring in the next phase "wind generation" and I tend to be a little more conservative in my engineering. I also have 4 arrays of solar panels but there is no relationship to charge controllers and arrays.

If you're a technical type you can go here (see link) warning this is not a DIY project I've been in the electrical business since 1979.

http://www2.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/products-services/renewable-energies/products-offer/range-presentation.page?c_filepath=/templatedata/Offer_Presentation/3_Range_Datasheet/data/en/shared/renewable_energies/xantrex_xw.xml#

 

[Suburbazine]

This looks like a fun DIMyself project, lol.

Making it tidy like that is a pain in the behind though.

 

[Praesul Presul]

Good job. Pretty impressive.

 

[HiCapMag]

Impressive!

Do the solar cells degrade/ loose performance over time?